AAHSL Leadership Scholarships

The Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries is pleased to announce the availability of AAHSL Leadership Scholarships. The scholarships to support leadership training, in amounts of up to $2500, may be used for participation in established educational programs or for individually designed learning opportunities. The scope of the scholarships is training for administrative leadership.

Professionals with an interest in leading academic health sciences libraries are eligible to apply for scholarships. Preference will be given to persons developing leadership skills relevant to becoming academic health center library directors in a relatively short timeframe. When additional funds are available, scholarships may also be awarded for leadership training at a mid-management level that develops an individual’s career path toward this longer term goal.

Programs supported by AAHSL Leadership Scholarships in the past, with reports from participants, may be consulted. Other sources for identification of programs include the Association of Research Libraries and the Medical Library Association Leadership and Management Section. Creative ideas about individual activities that would advance leadership development are also welcomed.

Applications will be accepted and awards made annually, with a deadline of April 1. Selective programs may require registration well in advance; their websites should be consulted for information. Awards can be made conditionally if applicants wish to use the scholarship as an indication of support for their applications to competitive training programs.

Applicants should submit:

• Letter (maximum of one page) with the following information:
  • description of the leadership training opportunity in which they are interested (including the URL for an established program),
  • dates of participation,
  • whether they have been accepted by the program, if applicable,
  • purpose of funds (itemized list of amounts for tuition, travel, or other expenses),
  • their goals in participating in it, and
  • how it will help them reach specific career goals.
• CV
• Letter from their library director indicating support for participation in the program and how it will further the leadership skills of the applicant.

Persons awarded scholarships must complete the program within a twelve-month period. At the conclusion, a brief report evaluating the program and its benefit to them and other potential leaders is required.

Applications should be submitted to the AAHSL Executive Director. The selection committee will judge the value and quality of the proposed activity in developing the leadership ability of the applicant. To maximize the number of scholarships, individuals may be asked to supplement funding with institutional support.